Protestant Schools in a Secular Society: The Dutch case

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a Delphi-research project on the ideal Protestant junior school (15 respondents participated). The group comprised head teachers, teachers, board members of Protestant junior schools and academics. Although consensus could not be achieved on many aspects, it is possible to describe ideals for the Protestant school underwritten by almost all respondents. Knowledge of the Christian faith, and believing and acting in accordance with it are considered the basis for deciding aims, teaching methods and organisational structure in these schools. A major distinction is made between the beliefs of the teachers, who must be practising Christians, and those of the parents, who may have different beliefs. In a secular and multicultural society the Protestant school will emphasize the Christian faith, but will also teach children to respect people of other faiths.